UPI stands for Unified Payment Interface (UPI). It allows transfer of money from one bank account to another instantly via one’s mobile phone. Payments can be made via app on mobile device only.

Along with the online mode, UPI is also available for non-Internet based mobile devices (smartphone as well as basic phones) in the form of a dialing option, *99#, and is known as USSD 2.0.

Here is a look at how you can use UPI without the Internet.

What you need to use UPI

Some of the commonly used apps offering payments via UPI method are BHIM, which is developed by NPCI, and there are some private players as well such as Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay etc.

To use UPI, you must have a bank account with a member bank, i.e., your bank should allow you to use the UPI facility. Some of the member banks include State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank.

Along with this, your mobile number must be registered with your bank account for purpose of verification.

Key services offered under *99#

According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the key services offered under *99# service include, sending and receiving interbank account to account funds, balance enquiry, setting / changing UPI PIN besides host of other services. *99# service is currently offered by 41 leading banks & all GSM service providers and can be accessed in 12 different languages including Hindi & English.

Features of *99# service

• Supports menu-based applications that is easy to maneuver for the users
• Does not require data connectivity (works on signaling channel) that makes it high availability service
• Round the clock availability (works even on holidays)

Do keep in mind that you will be charged a nominal fee for using this service by the telecomm service provider — it is usually Rs 0.5 per transaction for using the *99# service. The maximum charges have been set by TRAI at Rs. 1.5 per transaction.

How to register for *99#

Step 1: Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
Step 2: Select your bank account
Step 3: Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card number
Step 4: Enter the expiry date; enter and confirm the UPI PIN. After this step you can start using the service.

How to transfer money using *99#

Step 1: Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
Step 2: The screen with options will open. Dial 1 to select “Send Money” and click on reply

Step 3: To send money, dial the option you want to use to send money: 1 for mobile number, 3 for UPI ID, 4 for saved beneficiary. If you want to transfer money using the person’s UPI ID dial 3.

Step 4: Next step is to enter the amount you want to transfer. Dial the amount you want to transfer. After entering the amount, you will be asked to enter your UPI PIN (set at the time of registration process mentioned above).

Step 5: Up on successful transfer of money you will get this message on your phone.

You will also get an SMS informing you about the transaction.